Craig followed in next to them, and looked at Riebe. He muttered quietly and quickly, "I know you're all very talented, but I know that there's very few of us that don't have to rely on the Force in some way in battle. I have an alternative power I can draw my ability from, but I'm not so sure about the rest of you. However I'm open to any plan you might have. I for one think it would be smart to eliminate the Ysalimiri and fight them on our terms, but it's all up to if we really want to fight fair or not. If we do, I'm quite the unarmed specialist, thanks to my old Master, and my handguns give me an advantage," he looked at her and then finished, "I'm following your orders and my powers are yours to command once more, Riebe. I just need to know what you need help doing."

"I know Caitlin, Erica, and Nadira are adept at using their lightsabers without the Force," Riebe answered. "It was part of our training. As for me..." She chuckled. "The old Sith Hunter training was harder than anything these women will ever face... you know that." She sighed. "It's Alyssa I'm concerned about. Look at her..."

Alyssa had a peculiar look of confusion and emptiness on her face and Riebe turned back to Craig. "This is quite likely the first time she has ever been separated from the Force. We have to watch out for her."

Craig nodded and replied, "Just tell me if you need me to do anything for you, including if it has to do with those Ysalimiris."

He turned to Alyssa and reached out, placing one hand firmly on her shoulder and pulling her over, he tilted his head down and instructed, "Stay near us. I know you probably relied on the Force very much in training, but here you're going to have to rely on your instincts and thoughts. Stay near me, I can help protect you. You learned plenty of saber routine, you just don't know how to use it without the Force. Now's a good time as any to learn. Your body's used to the routines, just do them. Don't let fear overcome you. Even without the Force, Fear is still your greatest enemy." He stood upright and looked at her, letting her know in his expression how serious he was about protecting her, and how to handle the situation. He holstered his pistol and lifted his sword off his back with his left hand, keeping his lightsaber hilt ready in his right hand.

"How am I supposed to tell where to direct my movement?" Alyssa whispered in something near panic, though she was trying to control her nervousness.

"Keep your eyes open," Riebe answered quietly. "Your enemies tend to give their moves away ahead of time by looking or moving in the direction they will attack. We will help you, but Craig's right. You must learn to protect yourself without the Force. Learn this lesson well and we will all come out of this alive."

Craig nodded, and replied, "Same way as you would with the Force. Use your eyes to watch their hand and muscle movements. They tend to give away their next move. I'll protect you as best as I can, don't worry I've taken my fair share of blaster shots, I'll be fine if I have to take a blast or five for you," he said with a reassuring grin.

They were 'escorted' into the room that Jack 'Jokemaster' Bauer was being held in. Riebe caught his eye as she approached him. When she was close enough, she gave him a backhanded slap across the face... with her mechanical hand.

"That's for not contacting me," she said. "I gave one to him too..." she gestured to Craig before turning back to Jokemaster. "They want a fight, Jack. We're going to give them one."

The man who let them in let out a long, rumbling laugh. "Quite the hard treatment you're getting, eh Master of Jokes?"

Roma and Martins stepped through. Martins whispered.
"Everyone with guns, get the Ysalimiri. The rest, watch out for yourselves."

After the slap, jokemaster grinned and rubbed his face.
"Nice to see you too Riebe. You still haven't changed."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

"No, actually, I have to put on my fighting clothes, stretch my legs, practice for awhile, have something to eat...."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

"This is why we call him the Master of Jokes," the man interrupted. "Nearly everything out of his mouth is amusing."

Riebe grinned and turned to Jokemaster. "I didn't realize drooling was so amusing."

The big man burst into laughter. "No wonder she was the leader of the Sith Hunters!" he exclaimed. "She can play with the best of 'em! Now let's see all of you fight." Looking at Jokemaster, he said, "So your name's Jack, eh? Sorry we can't give you time to prepare... it's just not advisable for our health." He chuckled and tossed Jokemaster's weapon at his feet.

"Playtime," he laughed. Four Dark Jedi entered the room and led their 'guests/prisoners' to a large arena. Ysalimiri were visible around the arena, but Riebe saw the collars each Dark Jedi wore to nullify the effects of the creatures. Alyssa stuck close to Riebe's side.

"Now, we'll see how well you all fight without the Force," the first man said. Six more Dark Jedi came in, making 10 their total number. The Dark Jedi ignited their sabers and Riebe took one of the sabers she'd been carrying and took a blaster pistol in her other hand.

"It won't be without the Force for long," Riebe called, shooting one of the Ysalimiri four times. One of the Dark Jedi lunged at her and she dropped the gun to defend herself with both sabers.

Jokemaster grabbed his saber and quickly managed to bisect a dark jedi who made the mistake of attempting to charge at him. He quickly whirled around, barely avoiding a rock that had been thrown at him by a dark jedi. The dark jedi cursed and prepared to defend himself.

Roma quickly drew both of his sabers and threw one straight at one of the Ysalimiri, then leapt across the room to recover it, now armed with both again he began fighting with one of the dark jedi. They seemed equally matched until their sabers locked, and Roma kicked the dark jedi in the chest hard, throwing him down to the floor, and put his saber through his chest.

Jokemaster paused to admre his apprentice's swordsmanship. He was proud of it, he grinned and lunged to attack the dark jedi again.

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Jokemaster saw Riebe helping Alyssa and smiled. The two seemed to have a connec-

He was thrown backwards on the floor next to Riebe, the dark jedi instantly lunged on top of him. He reprimanded himself for having gotten distracted and quickly blocked the dark jedi's attack. He turned to Riebe.

"Thinking of getting another appre-oof, hold on." He kicked the dark jedi off of him and drove his saber through his neck. "Another apprentice?" he gestured at Alyssa subtly.

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

"I don't know," Riebe said. "The Jedi think I'm afraid of commitment. I took part in some of the battles against the Empire, but then when Skywalker asked me to be an instructor at his academy, I refused and vanished... not a sterling track record. After that, why would they even want me near their students?"

Alyssa blocked an attack meant for Riebe.

"Fight now, talk later," she said. "Oh, and Master Skywalker speaks of you with great respect. I think he'd be honored if you came back."

"Perhaps the three Sith Hunters can all come back at once," Riebe chuckled, throwing a lightsaber at another of the Ysalimiri.

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

"He's interested," Alyssa cut in. "But I think he needs a phsychiatrist first... introduced himself to me as Strider Flamehart..." she giggled. "Flamehart's been dead for a... What?"

Riebe was nearly laughing. "He is Strider Flamehart."

The fight continued as Riebe crossed the room to retrieve the lightsaber she'd thrown. Alyssa was visibly astonished at what Riebe had just told her and was beginning to wonder if her potential master might need a mental checkup as well. She glanced at Jokemaster.

"Do you agree with them?" she asked hesitantly. "Is that guy Strider Flamehart?"

"Yeah" Said jokeamster, blocking a dark jedi's attacks. "But to your credit our story is so convulted we probably need more than a few psychiatrists."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

"Ask Riebe to tell you the story sometime. Of course it probably takes a long time to tell it. Two thousand years of history can't be condensed easily. And hell, we've all gone through enough identity changes to make up an entire civilization."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Jokemaster kept sparring with the dark jedi, not really giving it even half his effort. Abruptly he spoke.

"So why'd you join up with these guys anyway?"

"What?!"

"I'm curious, what made you join up with this specific pathetic bunch of cowards?"

The dark jedi grew angry.

"Do you not realize we're in the middle of a battle?"

"What's the matter, can't talk and fight at the same time?"

The dark jedi began to object, letting his guard down, and Jokemaster finally cut him down.

"Boring conversation anyway."

Roma meanwhile was fighting with two at the same time, using one lightsaber for each one, but having difficulty. He spent most of his tiem dodging and blocking until finally he managed to cut one of their arms off, as the dark jedi screamed in pain he quickly knocked him to the ground and drove his saber into his gut. He turned to fight the other one.

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Craig knew it was his turn. He smiled at Alyssa, as he had clearly overheard the conversation going on between him and the other Hunters. "I have been considering myself returning to join back up with Skywalker," he noted, then cut off with, "Just one moment..."

He dodged blows from a Dark Jedi opponent in front of him, then finally parried an attack with his lightsaber and hitting the Dark Jedi across the torso with his bladed weapon, knocking the dark Jedi back. Craig used this opportunity now to holster both weapons, leap into the air with both pistols drawn and start firing at the Ysalimiris. He took out one of the remaining left.

Craig landed back on the ground, holstered one pistol, activated his lightsaber and started deflecting attacks from his returning Dark Jedi opponent with ease using his lightsaber. "Sorry, but, as I was saying..." he said with a grin, "I'm thinking of adopting my old name - Yes I am Strider, Alyssa, - and rejoining the Order to help around the place." In the middle of combat, Craig holstered his other pistol and drew his sword, faked a blow at the dark jedi again, who flinched, and instead threw the sword bladefirst at the last ysalimiri. He then drew his pistol and fired it once into the torso of the Dark Jedi, taking him down. Craig's lightsaber was then in hand, taking on another opponent.

Craig turned and looked at the other Sith Hunters and Alyssa. "Here's the fun part," he said with a grin. Suddenly his lack of attention cost him and he took a sharp blow to the chest. Craig winced and turned to see who the attacker was, and found it to be one of the remaining Dark Jedi. He growled and suddenly the Dark Jedi was sent flying back by a red aura, and Craig's eyes were glowing red. He was surrounded by a blood red aura momentarily before it disappeared, and his eyes returned to normal. He turned to the others again and said apologetically, "I'm sorry you all had to see that."

Craig chuckled, "Superhuman abilities, yes. Implants, no. I don't believe in doing anything artificially. The long lifespan, well let's just say cyrogenics and some time being gone beyond the regions of Known Space combined can have some lasting effects. I'll explain more about it later. Let's finish up here."

Curt had stood still the enitre time until one Dark jedi lunged at him. Curt whipped out his blade which was made of cortosis weave and parried his blow and in a black blur he whipped around him and stabbed him in the back, right through the chest.

"I believe she was referring to the Sith Hunter implants..." Riebe said. "Y'know... the stuff the Sith gave us before sending us out to kill Jedi? Then again, you did have that removed by the Jedi, now didn't you?" She chuckled and turned to Curt. "Nice of you to come back... and nice kill. I can see why Nadira asked you to come along."

A clear barrier came up, separating Riebe and the leader from the rest of the group while allowing them to be seen.

"Do you really think you can defeat me?" Riebe laughed. "After seeing what we did to your men?"

"Perhaps," he answered, igniting a saber staff. Riebe stared at it in astonishment.

"Where did you get that?" she asked quietly. The man smirked and attacked. Riebe drove him back and repeated her question.

"It's been passed down my family line," he answered. "My father found it just after the Empire was created." He laughed. "Ironic, isn't it? I'm fighting the leader of the Sith Hunters with the first weapon she ever created!"

"A pity you have to loose it now," Riebe told him. The fight continued and Riebe managed to block every attack, but after a few minutes of fighting, she used the Force to slam him against the barrier. The blow caused him to loose his grip on the saber and Riebe snatched it up. She clipped the other two sabers to her belt and the man took up his red saber.

Riebe held up a hand. "Before we continue, I have some things I must say. Your form is rather loose. It's clear you hadn't ever used this type of weapon before this one. Here, let me show you how it's done."

Memory is a funny thing. Sometimes, memories are of short term things... you can easily forget some things. Other things simply don't leave you. Even after so many years, Riebe had not forgotten her old weapon. Her fighting style was decidedly acrobatic and stunningly graceful. The viewers half wondered if she was simply dancing around the Dark Jedi leader.

"Note to self," Alyssa whispered. "Never ever get on her bad side."

Slashing, blocking, jabbing, flipping, sliding. Riebe was a blur. The man couldn't keep up. In exactly thirty seconds, Riebe's blade found its way through his chest and the dance ended. The barrier dropped and Riebe shut off her saber, clipping it to her belt next to the single saber on her right hip.

"Well, we've done what we came to do," she said, nodding to Jokemaster. The far end of the room began to collapse and Riebe whirled to face the source of the noise. "I think that we're receiving more than a suggestion here..." She turned. "Run!"

Martins muttered some curses in huttese and turned on his jetpack, giving him an extra burst in speed, meanwhile Roma and Jokemaster both began running Roma turned at jokemaster and grinned.

"I'll race ya."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Craig answered Riebe's comment shortly after she said it, "They tried to implant me with it, yes. I escaped to the Jedi before it was ever entirely active in me, and they managed to remove it without me causing extensive damage."

He watched the duel with a smirk on his face. He could barely remember the last time he saw her use her original fighting style, and remembered how much he'd learned from her in his Sith Hunter days.

Now, with the room collapsing, Craig rushed to help get the others out of the room first. "C'mon everyone get going! Go!" He pushed everyone out of the room, and as soon as the last person was out, he followed behind them.

Jokemaster smiled and handed the communicator back.
"It's yours. I sent it as a gift." He glared jokingly at Roma. "Of course he wasn't supposed to lead you into the middle of a sith base."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Craig nodded, "Sound's like a good idea to me. Besides, I'm the one that disappeared in the middle of the Sith Hunter's, and I've been through some mysterious ventures through the Unknown Regions, I'm sure you all want to hear about that too," he added with a slight grin.

He turned to Alyssa and smiled, "For a first timer without the Force, you did exceptionally well. You're incredible learning curve reminds me of myself when I was a Jedi student."

"I meant with things at the watchtower, or anything she's handling, NOT lead her to Korriban!"

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Craig turned and looked at Riebe, "Can't believe you actually figured me dead though. C'mon Riebe. I've cheated death many a time before, and I was trained by the best after I left the Order," and with the best straight face he could keep, he finished, "Me, myself, and I." He grinned, then shook his head and corrected himself, "I can't say I'd have lasted anywhere as long as I have without the things I learned from you and the rest of the Sith Hunters, Riebe."

Vader's wife was very pregnant when she died 19 years ago. All of a sudden a 19 year old who is very strong in the force and has a distinct resembalance to him in his younger days rolls in from Vader's home planet with his old Master Obi-Wan (Who was the ONLY other person preset at the time his wife died. And to boot, the kid's last name is Skywalker.

So in answer to your question, he knew Luke was his son because his name is Darth Vader, and not Darth Retard.

Craig shrugged, "I think Korriban's a friendly pla-" he trailed off, realizing he had converted to Sith for quite awhile, "Nevermind, sorry, that's my personal experience. I forgot very few here actually were real Sith for awhile." He chuckled, looking around Korriban, "This place was almost a second home for me, my thirst for competition in my early years of Jedi training thrived here. Luckily I've grown out of that stage."